Random Dodger Tidbits

Over the last week, a few interesting updates surfaced from Vero Beach. None of which really warrant their own post, so I thought I’d gather some of them together.

Chad Billingsley, once thought to be the leader for the Dodgers fifth starter position, will open the season from the bullpen. Dodgers management seems to be a little worried about teaming his give-it-all delivery with his tendency for high-pitch counts right from the get-go of the season.

Mark Hendrickson is having the spring one would expect from a career 4.98 ERA, 1.46 WHIP pitcher; he’s given up six runs in 6 2/3 innings. This mediocre-at-best showing coupled with his lack-luster performance last season seems to leave the race between Brett Tomko and Hung-Chih Kuo.

Speaking of Kuo, he tested positive for a "MLB-banned substance" sometime before the Asian Games in Qatar. Kuo’s agent and a Taiwanese Olympic official say the results are due to pain or cold medication, and Kuo is not expected to face disciplinary actions.